The Cambridge Society of Dorset is a well-established group dating from 1984 with a lively membership of over 120.  Each year we offer a varied programme of talks and visits to places of interest around the County. These usually include an opportunity for informal social gatherings and a convivial meal.

The Society enjoyed a full and varied programme during the year, combining thought-provoking talks, visits to places of interest and a number of well-supported social occasions. We began with an outstanding talk by Ray Monk FRSL on Oppenheimer – the Man and the Movie, which attracted an excellent turnout and gave much food for thought. In April we visited Poundbury, where three enthusiastic Poundburians, closely involved in its development, discussed the philosophy behind this innovative urban extension, followed by lunch and a guided walk.

Our summer programme included two particularly popular informal events: a well-attended social evening at the Royal Motor Yacht Club and the summer garden party, kindly hosted at a committee member’s home, both blessed with good weather and a relaxed atmosphere. A topical July meeting at the Ferndown Day Centre focused on the rise of poverty locally and included a visit to the Food Bank, while August saw a memorable guided visit to Milton Abbey and its remarkable history, finishing up with a delightful buffet in the great baronial hall of the school. An informal picnic near Ringstead Bay in September offered a further opportunity to socialise, and the year concluded with our AGM at Bryanston School, where Dr David Smith gave an engaging talk on Oliver Cromwell: Hero or Villain?, followed by the usual excellent lunch. A festive lunch at Yalbury Cottage provided a fitting end to the year.

A strong programme is planned for 2026. In February Dr George Maher will speak on the Romans at the King’s Arms in Dorchester, with lunch and an optional museum visit. In April we welcome Catherine Webb, Bursar of Emmanuel College and who has held senior positions in HM Treasury, for a talk at Cobham Social Club. The Royal Motor Yacht Club will again host a social evening in May, and July will feature a visit to Athelhampton House Gardens, with tea and an optional evening theatre performance. In September Charles Swanton will speak on developments in blood tests for cancer screening at Studland Village Hall. We will round off the year with our AGM at Bryanston School in October, when Rear Admiral Roy Clare will talk on Robert FitzRoy. Lunch will, as always, form an integral part of our gatherings.

The Society always needs fresh input and welcomes enquiries from those interested in joining our group as well as new ideas and suggestions for future activities. These can be made via the Email Group link shown below.